LOS ANGELES — Lindsay Lohan is due in court to face a new judge, and a new criminal charge, that could return the troubled starlet to jail rather than the big screen.
The “Mean Girls” star is due to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon on a felony grand theft charge that prosecutors say they will file over a $2,500 necklace reported stolen by an upscale jewelry store.
The charge is the latest — and most serious — legal problem for the actress, who remains on probation for a 2007 drunken driving case.
Police and prosecutors allege Lohan, 24, took the necklace from a store in the beachside community of Venice on Jan. 22, weeks after she was released from a rehab facility where she was also accused of misconduct.
Lohan’s attorney has denied the actress stole the necklace.

Van Halen’s guitar given to Smithsonian museum

WASHINGTON — One of Eddie Van Halen’s guitars will have a home at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
The museum announced Monday that it has acquired the “Frank 2” guitar that Van Halen used during his 2007-2008 North American tour with original lead singer David Lee Roth.
The red, white and black guitar is a replica of the original “Frankenstein” guitar that Van Halen used for more than 30 years. Van Halen constructed the “Frankenstein” guitar himself to suit his playing style.
Museum director Brent Glass says the guitar reflects Van Halen’s innovation, talent and influence. It will be part of the museum’s instrument collection as a more contemporary piece.

Judge close to letting TV cover of Jackson trial

LOS ANGELES — A judge says he will approve TV coverage of the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor if the camera is unobtrusive.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor also said Monday he was moving up jury selection to March 24 because the original date of March 28 was too close to the absolute statutory limit for a speedy trial.
In an effort to clear pretrial motions, Pastor set another hearing for Feb. 15. By then, he hopes TV outlets will have submitted a coverage plan for final approval.

Elton John, Paul Simon to be Rock Hall presenters

NEW YORK — Elton John recently made an album with his longtime idol, Leon Russell.
Now he’ll do the induction honors when Russell is ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month.
Russell and John are up for a Grammy award for their work on the joint album “The Union.”
John won’t be the only Rock and Roll Hall of Famer honoring the 2011 class on March 14.
Paul Simon will induct Neil Diamond, and Neil Young will induct Tom Waits.
Also, Rob Zombie will induct Alice Cooper while John Legend will induct Dr. John. And Bette Midler will pay tribute to Darlene Love.